Method of Internet Use Affects Emotional State
November 13th, 2009
Millions of people use the internet each day to find information, communicate, participate in games or events, or simply keep up to date with the global buzz. Ways to examine internet users’ behaviors are constantly being developed in order to create better advertising, but a study conducted at the University of Missouri found psychologically-relevant data pertaining to how users obtain their online information. The researchers discovered that when using a direct searching method, such as entering a given topic into popular search engine Google, users were far more mentally and emotionally active than when they browsed a given news site and stumbled upon a certain story. The data may well influence advertising on the web, but might also yield useful information to psychologists, particularly those working with students and busy professionals.
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Comments
I think this has to do with the fact that when they stumble upon a new, they are less active because it is just a random story for them but when they are searching for something, it is a piece of information that they are looking for in particular and hence pay more attention and are active.
This is so true! When I use a search engine I typically have a specific topic and focus in mind, looking for information in an given area in which I am actively interested. On the other hand when I am just browsiing that’s just it- I am looking for random info, and sometimes it does not matter what it is, to occupy my time. I am one of those who does not really pay attention to the ads that I see online, no matter what type of information I am looking for though. Maybe I do subconsciously but I am never actively looking at information and looking at the ads for even more
Having an idea of information that we are seeking is more attention-demanding than just reading something passively… but according to me,if a topic comes up randomly and it was something that we were actually looking for then the attention levels will surely go up.
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